What major act does the Final Omnibus Rule implement provisions for?

The Final Omnibus Rule implements provisions for the HITECH Act, which is closely related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The HITECH Act was established to enhance the privacy and security protections for healthcare information, particularly in the context of electronic health records. The Final Omnibus Rule, published in 2013, made significant updates to HIPAA regulations by incorporating the expanded provisions of the HITECH Act, particularly related to the requirements for business associates and the breach notification rules.

This connection emphasizes the importance of ensuring that patient information is handled with increased security measures and that healthcare organizations are held accountable for safeguarding electronic health data. By reinforcing these protections, the Final Omnibus Rule aims to enhance patient trust and confidentiality in the healthcare system. Understanding this act is crucial for healthcare professionals dealing with health information management, as it directly affects how patient data must be protected and the responsibilities of entities that manage that information.